Hollow fiber membrane contactor absorption of CO2 from the flue gas: Review and perspective

Abstract

With the aggravation of the unprecedented greenhouse effect, the reduction of greenhouse gases which mainly consist of CO 2 has caught high attention by global scholars. The membrane absorption of CO 2 from the flue gas seems a promising alternative to conventional absorption methods like chemical absorption. In this article, the principles of the membrane absorption process were discussed. The research development and current status of CO 2 capture in flue gas using a hollow fiber membrane contactor were reviewed. The affecting factors included the membrane structure and material, module connection form, gas and liquid flow pattern and absorbent. Also, these factors that affected the separation performance of mass transfer processes, as well as the mass transfer coefficients and models for CO 2 absorption were critically discussed in the tube side, shell side and membrane. Also, an experiment system for CO 2 absorption in a membrane contactor was dipicted. The modeling works were validated with experimental results. Additionally, the deficiencies of present development in membrane gas absorption of acid gases and recommendations for future pilot-scale applications were proposed.

CFD Modeling of CO2 Absorption in Membrane Contactors Using Aqueous Solutions of Monoethanolamine–Ionic Liquids

“…In addition, the results show that the presence of the ionic liquid in both physical and chemical absorbents increases CO 2 molar flux. Moreover, in lower liquid flow rates (up to 50 mL·min –1 ), increasing of liquid flow rate has a significant effect on CO 2 molar flux and removal percentage which is consistent with the results reported by Zhang et al…”

“…In addition, the results show that the presence of the ionic liquid in both physical and chemical absorbents increases CO 2 molar flux. Moreover, in lower liquid flow rates (up to 50 mL•min −1 ), increasing of liquid flow rate has a significant effect on CO 2 molar flux and removal percentage which is consistent with the results reported by Zhang et al 53 Effect of gas flow rate on absorption performance of membrane contactor is presented in Figures 10 and 11. As shown in Figure 10, molar flux of CO 2 increases by increasing gas flow rate because of greater driving force between gas and liquid in membrane contactor.…”

Grand Challenges in Emerging Separation Technologies

“…Emerging membrane separation technology can effectively reduce costs because no heating is required during processing (Ze and Sx, 2014). For example, hollow fiber membrane gas capture technology has been widely used in industrial sectors and laboratories (Ze and Sx, 2014). Due to technical and economic issues, membrane gas capture technology is difficult to achieve large-scale industrial applications.…”

Emerging Solvent Regeneration Technologies for CO2 Capture through Offshore Natural Gas Purification Processes

“…A membrane contactor, having the advantages of a high surface area and high operational flexibility for ease of modularization, is a form of technology that has become a potential candidate for CO 2 desorption [50]. The membrane contactor also possesses additional benefits as the gas and solvent have separate flow paths that can prevent foaming, flooding, entrainment, and channeling issues [51]. The membrane contactor technology has also been extensively studied by numerous researchers as it has the advantages of a large surface area for the mass transfer, it is lightweight, and has a small footprint for the system [52].…”